It was a long time in the making – three years, as a matter of fact – that Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails' doors would officially open.

Chef and proprietor Matt Arnold and his business partner Cory Royer originally discussed buying the property in spring 2014, but did not purchase the property at 3522 Del Prado Blvd. S in Cape Coral until October 2015. Construction began the following January, with a grand opening in February 2017.

"It was so long over do," Arnold said. "Everyone had been working so hard and there was so much sacrifice. We were trained and we were ready, so we just opened the doors. It was the biggest sigh of relief, a little surreal ... I had to pinch myself."

Point 57 is a from-scratch kitchen and craft cocktail restaurant, focusing on as many local ingredients as possible. Arnold and Royer attended the University of Kansas together and have remained good friends over the years. Royer has lived in the Cape for about 10 years and he has had his eye on the property for some time, Arnold said.

Arnold, from Lee Summit, Mo., attributed his "cooking bug" to his grandmother and his mentor chef, Don Fortel. He went on to the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vt., after earning his undergraduate degree, and has worked all over the East Coast, from North Carolina to Pittsburgh. He wears many hats at Point 57, including part owner, operator. administrator, chef and dishwasher, to name a few. He's also very grateful of his Kansas City-native staff.

"We were very fortunate to bring along some solid help from Kansas City," he said. "Jay Sanders is our beverage coordinator, Bobby Bowman is our executive chef and his fiance Daniele Halvorson. Karen Morris joined us as we were opening and she runs our front!"

 The community has grown fond of Point 57. Arnold said everyone has been "gracious and very welcoming." They've earned a 4.5-star rating on Yelp, with 51 total reviews.

"The response has been positive and we are so excited and appreciative!" Arnold said.

The fan favorite dishes so far have been the steak frites, fish and chips, sweet tea brined and smoked chicken breast and the crispy pork shank. The most popular beverage is the Floriday 57.

"The crispy pork shank [and] sweet tea brined chicken breast ... they both are dishes you just don't see everyday," Arnold explained. "A favorite on the menu is tough to say ... I like them all.  I got asked that the other day by a guest and I replied 'I don't have a favorite one. They are kind of like children. I like them all!' And he replied, "Sure ya can ... I do!" We had a good laugh! I must say, our burger is pretty dang tasty."

The Absolute Elyx summer cocktail list is available now, and Point 57 is beginning to host live music on select weekends. They also host private events. For more information, visit the website, or follow Point 57 on Facebook.